Selectively-Extendable Modular Lighting Fixture

ABSTRACT

A modular lighting fixture may include an elongate housing having ends and terminating in sidewall edges, an elongate lens having end edge portions and opposite elongate edges forming lens-sealing surfaces, each fitted to a corresponding one of the sidewall edges, a pair of end structures each removably attachable to either end of the housing, such end structures fitted to the lens; and a plurality of gasket seals including an elongate gasket between each elongate edge and its corresponding lens-sealing surface and a gasket between each end of the housing and its corresponding lens end edge portions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.14/036,940 filed on Sep. 25, 2013 which will issue as U.S. Pat. No.9,476,550 on Oct. 25, 2016, which is a continuation of Ser. No.12/362,287, filed Jan. 29, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,656, which is acontinuation of Ser. No. 11/233,893, filed on Nov. 15, 2005, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,494,241, which is a continuation of patent application Ser.No. 10/943,692, filed on Sep. 17, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,984,055,which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/156,423, filed May28, 2002, now abandoned, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a lighting fixture and, moreparticularly, to a modular lighting fixture adaptable for beingimplemented in various shapes and configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different types of lighting fixtures, including elongate fixturesfor various applications and locations, are known in the art. Suchfixtures have been installed for illuminating stores, offices,supermarkets, schools, hospitals, banks, and other interior and exteriorareas. Appreciating the versatility of such lighting fixtures, includingthe many engineering designs and configurations, there remains a needfor improving versatility and adaptability of a lighting fixture, inorder to facilitate and enhance particular applications.

Traditional lighting fixtures are not readily adaptable for adjustinglength and changing physical configuration. In particular, conventionalstructures and lighting

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved system forimplementing lighting fixtures overcoming some of the problems andshortcomings of the prior art, including those referred to above.

Another object of the invention is to provide a modular lighting systemeasily adaptable for creating different shapes and configurations inlinear lighting applications.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lighting system thatprovides one or more isolated raceways for other distributionapplications, for example low voltage wiring, fiber optics, and others.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a system forsealingly connecting linear lighting modules to one another.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a modular lightingsystem that allows a designer to implement linear lighting using anynumber of modules having selectable lengths.

How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent fromthe following descriptions and drawing figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a modular lighting fixture comprising: (a) an elongatehousing having ends and terminating in sidewall edges therealong; (b) anelongate lens having end edge portions and opposite elongate edgesforming lens-sealing surfaces, each fitted to a corresponding one of thesidewall edges; (c) a pair of end structures each removably attachableto either end of the housing, such end structures fitted to the lens;and (d) a plurality of gasket seals including (i) an elongate gasketbetween each elongate edge and its corresponding lens-sealing surfaceand (ii) a gasket between each end of the housing and its correspondinglens end edge portions.

In one embodiment, each of the end structures includes an end-structuregroove for slidably receiving one of the end edge portions of the lensto thereby seat the lens within the end-structure groove.

In another embodiment, the lens has flanges along the opposite elongateedges thereof, the housing has downwardly-opening grooves along thesidewall edges for receiving respective ones of the lens flanges, andthe end structures are attached to the housing and include end-structuregrooves, and the end-structure grooves are at least partly aligned withrespective ones of the downwardly-opening grooves of the housing.

In yet another embodiment, each edge portion of the lens is receivedwithin an arcuate channel-like groove in one of the end structures toprovide a snug fit between the lens and the end structures.

In an additional embodiment, the lighting fixture further comprises aflange on each opposite elongate edge of the lens, and each endstructure includes a laterally-extending groove for receiving arespective flange.

In another additional embodiment, each elongate edge of the lens isreceived by a lens-supporting structure on one of the end structures toprovide a snug fit between the lens and the end structures.

Another embodiment of the invention is a modular lighting fixturecomprising: (a) an elongate housing having sidewalls and lengthwiseends, the sidewalls having downwardly-opening grooves along elongatesides thereof; (b) an elongate lens having flanges along two oppositesides thereof with lengthwise end edge portions, the flanges received inthe downwardly-opening grooves of the housing; and (c) a pair of unitaryendplates each including an endplate support for supporting a lengthwiseend edge portion of the lens, each endplate being attached to eitherlengthwise end of the housing and having perimeter surfaces matinglyattached to an additional structure selected from the group consistingof: (i) a bridge for angularly-directed extension of the housing andhaving a peripheral edge of substantially the same size and contour asan outer surface of the endplate where the bridge and endplate join;(ii) a bridge for linear extension of the housing and having aperipheral edge of substantially the same size and contour as the outersurface of the endplate where the bridge and endplate join, and (iii) anendcap having a peripheral edge of substantially the same size and

In one embodiment, the endcap has an outwardly-projecting flangematingly engaging an outwardly-presented face of one of the endplates.

In another embodiment, each of the endplate supports is at leastpartially aligned with respective ones of the downwardly-opening groovesof the housing.

In another embodiment, the lens includes end edge portions, and whereineach of the endplate supports slidably receives one of the end edgeportions of the lens to thereby seat the lens.

In yet another embodiment, each endplate has supports forming a mountingspace for receiving respective ones of the flanges.

In an additional embodiment, the inventive lighting fixture includes asecond lens flange along the opposite elongate sides of the lens, andeach second lens flange overhangs a respective portion of thedownwardly-opening grooves of the housing.

In one embodiment, each endplate support secures a respective end of theelongate lens to the endplate or prevents the respective end of theelongate lens from being pressed inwardly into an interior portion ofthe lighting fixture by an external force. In such embodiment, theendplate supports may be integrally formed in each of the endplates.

In an additional embodiment, the lens has end edge portions and at leastone of the endplates includes a support covering a respective one of theend edge portions of the lens, thereby preventing external access to theone end edge portion of the lens.

In yet another embodiment, the lighting fixture further comprises agasket between each of the endplates and the lens.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a modular lighting fixturecomprising: (a) a first elongate housing having ends; (b) an endplatefor sealing connection to an end of the first elongate housing; (c) abridge adapted for connecting the endplate to at least one additionalendplate, the bridge selected from the group consisting of an L typebridge, a T type bridge, a +type bridge, an X type bridge, and a bridgeconfigured for linear connection to one of the at least additionalendplates; and (d) at least one additional elongate housing like thefirst elongate housing, each such

As a result of implementing certain aspects of the invention, lightingfixtures may be characterized as providing “selectably-extendable” andangularly-directable linear lighting.” For example, by joining a numberof modules, sections, or housing components to one another at endportions or segments thereof, a lineal array of selectable length orlineal expanse may be provided as required or desired. Alternatively,the fixture may consist of two linear arrays connected at ends thereofto define an angle, for example a 90 degree juncture or corner. Inanother example, lineal sectors or sections may be oriented with respectto one another to provide various different geometric configurations orshapes. Accordingly, a large variety of lighting design choices may beimplemented efficiently. In addition, a structure according to theinvention also provides fluid-impervious sealing.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the following further description considered withthe drawing figures.

The foregoing summary does not limit the invention, which is insteaddefined by the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a luminaire-type linear lighting fixturemodule having an endcap, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 shows two modular lighting fixture sections joined endwise to oneanother through an interposed coupler ring, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a body section of a lightingfixture with a unitary endplate affixed to the body section of thelighting fixture for attachment to an endcap, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially-exploded fragmentary perspective view showing anend of a body section of a lighting fixture module with a unitaryendplate secured in place for attachment to a ring-type coupling bridge,according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a unitary endplate for mounting on anend of the body of a housing section of a lighting fixture module,according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a ring-type coupling bridge secured tothe unitary endplate of FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary upward perspective view, with parts omitted forclarity, showing a housing section having a unitary endplate with acoupler fastened thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-8of FIG. 2, and illustrating a manner of securing one housing section orlighting fixture module to another, according to an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are fragmentary, cross-sectional views taken along theline 9-9 of FIG. 2, with parts omitted for clarity, according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of two modular sections joined to oneanother at right angles by means of an “L” type connecting adapter toform an L-node or corner mode assembly, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing three lighting fixture modulesconnected to a joinder adapter configured as a “T” node, according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of four lighting fixture modules joinedto a rectangular, four-place coupler to form a “+” node type lightingfixture assembly in which the four modules arms extend at 90 degreeswith respect to adjacent modules, according to an exemplary embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture module 24 that may beconfigured in any of several different forms, in this case beingconfigured as a single module fixture 20 by adding endcaps 52. Module 24may also be referred to herein as “housing section 24” that includes abody section 10 and a pair of unitary endplates 34. Module 24 may alsoinclude a lens 80.

FIG. 2 shows a dual-module lighting fixture 30 having two housingsections 24. The two housing sections 24 of fixture 30 are securedend-to-end to one another at respective facing endplates 34 thereof(e.g., FIGS. 3-5, 7, 8), by a coupler 40 interposed between therespective unitary endplates 34.

Either fixture 20, 30 may be securely mounted at respective generallyplanar bases 48 thereof to a ceiling or similar structure 50. Free endsof housing section 24 may be sealed at unitary endplates 34 thereof withfitted endcaps 52. Endcap 52 abuts and is securely mounted to endplate34, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3. Each housing section 24includes opposed lineally-extending side walls 56, 58 extendingcoextensively with base 48 at elongate upper edges 64 and 66 thereof.

Housing sidewalls 56, 58 of elongate modular lineal section 24 areformed of an extruded high-strength metal alloy, such as aluminumalloys, as a body portion 10 of each modular sections 24. Sidewalls 56,58 are formed at opposite elongate edge portions thereof withchannel-like, downwardly-opening grooves 96, 98 that matingly receivetherewithin the elongate free edge portions of lens 80. A gasket (notshown) may also be used for sealing the elongate sides of lens 80 withelongate grooves 96, 98 of housing 24. Lens 80 is preferably formed of ahigh-strength plastic composition.

Elongate, sheet-like, arcuate lens 80 extends generally along the bottomof housing section 24 and is secured at its lengthwise sides tolongitudinally-extending lower free edges 72, 74 of the opposedsidewalls 56 and 58 of housing section 24. In one embodiment, lens 80has upwardly-directed flanges 86, 88 (e.g., FIGS. 9A-9B) thatrespectively seat within downwardly-opening elongate grooves or slots204, 206 in unitary endplate 34 and in channels 96 and 98 formed inlower free elongate opposed edge zones 104 and 106 of housing sidewalls56 and 58.

Each unitary endplate 34 is formed at an inner face thereof with anarcuate, inwardly-opening slot or groove 200 extending along a boundingperipheral edge zone thereof for slideably receiving, to seat in sealingengagement therewith, an end-edge portion of lens 80, thereby providingsealing engagement of lens 80 with groove 200. The inner face of unitaryendplate 34 is also formed for accepting therewithin, in mating andsealing engagement, the extruded housing 24.

For example, downwardly-projecting strips 110, 112 respectively extendlongitudinally along a lineal expanse of sidewalls 56, 58. At their freeend-edges, strips 110, 112 respectively abut in sealing engagement withunitary endplate 34. Channel 200, which opens outwardly, is contoured,configured and sized at its opposite lateral portions for receiving inclose and sealing engagement therewithin the respective opposed edgeportions 72 and 74 of the sidewalls 56 and 58.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, a gasket 120 may be interposed to sealinglyengage the strips 110, 112 and lens 80. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, channel200 of unitary endplate 34 may be aligned with corresponding channels96, 98 of housing 24. Unitary endplates 34 are structured in a skeletal,bridge-like manner for mating engagement and positive attachment to eachend of housing section 24, thereby providing through-frame openings.Skeletal adapter ring 40 is attachable to either unitary endplate 34 forfacilitating attachment of an additional housing section or module 24 toprovide a lighting fixture comprised of two or more modular housingsections 24.

Unitary endplates 34 may be formed as high-strength castings having ametal composition, preferably being composed of a lightweight materialsuch as an aluminum alloy. Unitary endplates 34 have an inner faceperimeter contour corresponding to a perimeter contour of the combinedendwise edge of the housing section 24 including an attached lens 80.The outer face perimeter contour of unitary endplate 34 corresponds to aperimeter contour of the ring 40, endcap 52, or other bridge beingattached to endplate 34. For example, unitary endplate 34 may have aperimeter shoulder 205 for sealingly engaging either an inner rim 226 ofcoupler ring 40 or an inner edge 160 of endcap 52 to be secured thereon.

Ring 40 has a circumscribing top wall that is integrally-formed withlaterally-extending ring-like flanges 220 dimensioned and configured tooverlie in sealing engagement therewith a mating 152 wall of unitaryendplate 34 formed adjacent shoulder portion 205.

As shown by way of example in FIGS. 3 and 4, a unitary endplate 34 issecurely engaged with body portion 10 at each end thereof, therebyforming a housing section 24. Unitary endplate 34 has a plate-like,skeletal body 142 having a plurality of through-openings or passageways134, 136, 138 and 140 formed therein. Such passageways 134, 136, 138,140 provide wire routing structures that facilitate passage therethroughof electrical wires, illuminating sources, other electrical components,and related structures such as various cabling, adapters, etc. Asdescribed in more detail below, passageways 134, 136, 138, 140 may eachbe parts of individual isolated raceways extending the entire length ofmodule 24 by including enclosed passages within body portion 10. Unitaryendplate 34 has a top flange 148 which extends continuously along a topend edge of the base 48 for sealing engagement with housing section 24.Integrally-formed with and coextensive with the top flange 148 andstepped downwardly with respect thereto is a second flange 152.

Unitary endplate 34 is formed with opposed upper side sectors 190, 192and a continuing lower arcuate section 196 thereof As shown in theinterior view of FIG. 7, the interior side of unitary endplate 34 has anuninterrupted channel 200. Channel 200 is configured and sized forreceiving in sealing engagement therewith the end portions 81 of lens80. Channel 200 of unitary endplate 34, as shown by example in FIGS.9A-9B, has laterally-extending portions 202, 203 structured forrespectively receiving outward-extending flanges 114, 116 of lens 80.Similarly, vertically-oriented flange portions 86, 88 of lens 80respectively fit into channels 204, 206 of unitary endplate 34. Gasket120 may be formed in an appropriate manner for sealing of endplate 34,for example by being interposed for sealingly engaging strips 110, 112and lens 80. Gaskets can include die-cut gaskets and the like. Lens 80provides distribution of illuminating light emanating from the fixture,and is preferably composed of a high-impact, shock-resistant plasticcomposition, such as an acrylic plastic or a polycarbonate plastic. Asshown in the example of FIGS. 9A-9B, lens 80 is formed to engage channel200.

Endcap 52 is integrally formed with a flange 156 projecting outwardlyalong a top, free edge 158 thereof When endcap 52 is positioned in placeto mate with and close the end of housing section 24, the top flange 156of endcap 52 is brought to overlie and to effect a sealing engagementwith flange 152 of unitary endplate 34. An flange 164 of unitaryendplate 34. Unitary endplate 34 is positively secured to the end ofbody portion 10 of housing section 24 with screws (not shown).

Endcap 52 is integrally formed with connector posts 170 and 172projecting from the interior of the end wall 176 at opposed uppercorners thereof. A third connector post 180, also integrally formed withthe endcap 52, projects inwardly from the interior of the end wall 176at a central lower area thereof. When endcap 52 is positioned in place,the free ends of posts 170, 172 and 180 penetrate to seat, respectively,in cooperating outwardly-presented bores 184, 188 and 186 formed inunitary endplate 34.

Housing sections 24, which may be of any practical selectable lengths,each have a unitary endplate 34 at lengthwise ends thereof Outer facesof unitary endplates 34 of two linearly-adjacent housing sections 24 arebrought matingly to engage an interposed coupling ring 40, thus toeffect a sealed joinder of the two adjacent housing modules 24. Forexample, lighting fixture 20 has a single module 24 of selectablelength; alternatively, any number of modular sections 24 may be joinedto one another endwise as a lineal or in-line array, such as two-modulelighting fixture 30 shown in FIG. 2 with coupler ring 40 being used tolineally connect modules 24 as shown in FIG. 4. Such is effective toprovide a lineal lighting fixture of any desired or required expanse.

In the example where two or more housing sections 24 joined endwise as acontinuous uninterrupted physical structure (e.g., FIG. 2) with acoupler ring 40 (e.g., FIG. 4), coupler ring 40 has generally a contourand form compatible with unitary endplate 34 and is preferably formed asa metal casting of an aluminum alloy or similar material. Coupler ring40 is formed with a plurality of through-openings 210, 212, 216 and 218.Such openings essentially correspond with openings formed in the unitaryendplate 34 and are in through-registry therewith when endplate 34 andcoupler ring 40 are joined together in an assembled lighting fixturehaving a plurality of body sectors or modules 24.

Coupler ring 40 has a transversely-extending generally-planar topsurface 220 and an arcuate bottom surface 228, the flange-like top wall220 extending laterally of the body 224 at each of opposed sides thereofeffectively to provide two opposed flanges straddling a center portion22. Flange-like top wall 220 may be engaged with a downwardly-displacedor stepped flange 152 of a unitary endplate 34. Unitary endplate 34 issecured to body portion 10 of housing module 24 as previously described.A second lighting fixture module 24 may be fastened, at its securedunitary endplate 34 at the opposite, coextensive second part of theflange 220 thus to effect a coupling of two housing sections 24 to oneanother endwise. In the manner described, it becomes simple and quick toproduce a row-mount lighting fixture having a selectable number ofseparate housing sections each being of a selectable length. Thus, onemay readily assemble a lighting fixture of any final overall length, asmay be required or desired.

A lighting fixture may include either a single module 24 of selectablelength or, alternatively, a plurality of modular sections, sectors, orhousing sections 24. Such may be joined to one another endwise as alineal or in-line array. The method is readily effective to provide alineal lighting fixture of any desired or required expanse. Many otherembodiments of the invention are possible. Modular sections 24 maybecoupled at joined ends thereof to extend normally to one another todefine a right-angle corner. Others may be connected by means of aT-shaped coupler to form a Still other modular sections, of selectablelengths, may be connected to form an “X” or a cross “+”. Since eachmodule 24 has unitary endplates 34 attached thereto, the chosen coupleris adapted to be secured to the respective unitary endplate 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, lighting fixture embodiments arenot limited to extending along a straight line, but may include othergeometric configurations. For example, referring first to FIG. 10, thereis shown a fragmentary view of a lighting fixture having two modularsections 24 oriented to extend orthogonally with respect to one another.A generally rectangular connector 230 with an “L” shape has a pair ofadjacent sides 232 and 234 to which ends 236 and 238 of the modularsections 24 are sealingly joined to form a corner assembly. Theresulting fixture having an L shape is suited, for example, foraccommodating sharp bends, and for corner installations. Variouscombinations may be implemented. For example, a use of four such Lconnectors 230 and four modular sections 24 may be assembled to providea lighting fixture in the physical configuration of a closed rectangular“loop.”

In another example of a non-linear embodiment, FIG. 11 shows a generallyrectangular connector 240 having three sides 242, 244, 246 to whichthree corresponding separate modular sections 24 of the fixture areconnected. The assembled fixture of FIG. 11 thus assumes a “T”configuration.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 12. Asshown, a four-sided rectangular connector 250 has four sides to which acorresponding end 252, 254, 256, 258 of a separate module or fixturesection 24 is joined. There results a fixture having a cross (“+”) typeconfiguration. Further, an “X” type configuration of a lighting fixturemay be formed. It will be appreciated that, through the selection anduse of appropriate connectors, various open and closed loop lightingfixtures may be provided.

Individual and joined bridges and/or housing sections 24 of a givenlighting fixture establish therein, and along an entire expanse thereof,uninterrupted passageways. Such passageways may include “raceways” foraccommodating wires, cables and the like. Such may be effectivelyisolated from ballasts and lamp wires. By providing physical barriersestablishing and effectively separating a number of isolated raceways,for example, a passageway for the ballast power feed wires of afluorescent lighting fixture does not interfere with the isolatedraceways. Such a physical structural arrangement is highly desirable andis considered novel. The structural arrangement and configuration oflighting fixtures in accordance with the present invention may beutilized for effecting important physical separation of high voltage andlow voltage wiring. The utility and versatility of such lightingfixtures are thereby enhanced. The structures of unitary endplate 34 andcoaxial coupler ring 40 are skeletal in construction with a plurality ofthrough-openings or passageways or runs. Such may provide couplingelements of extended raceways between modules 24.

For example, items that may be safely housed in an isolated raceway suchas one contained in fixtures according to the present invention, include24-volt alarm circuitry, such as wiring for a fire alarm, fiber opticnetwork cables, thermostat wires, telephone wires, etc. Suchcapabilities provided by the present invention are believed to becapabilities unique in lighting fixtures of a general linear-type.

It may be especially advantageous and convenient to fabricate all of themodular body sections 24 of a lighting fixture to be a same length.However, such arbitrary uniformity is in no sense a requirement.Conveniently, for example, individual luminaires may be formed usingsections 24 nominally 8″×24″, 8″×48″, 8″×60″, etc. Other embodiments maybe formed using sections 24 nominally 12″×24″, 12″×48″, 12″×60″, etc.

As a result of the present invention, an extendable modular lightingfixture may be structured to provide interconnections having physicaland electrical continuity. Such a structure is effectively tolerant ofand resistant to physical abuse as well as to environmental hazards. Thelighting fixture may include a linear illumination source and a lightingtrack in the housing, the lighting track including a passagewaystructured for accommodating electrical conductors for connecting thelighting fixture to an independent electrical power supply. Wire-waysmay be formed within the lighting fixture for accommodating conductivewires. The lighting fixture may further include a gasket seated andsecured in the housing along an expanse thereof and in sealingengagement for sealing the housing against invasion by objectionableambient and foreign substances. A lighting fixture may further include agasket disposed between the body of the fixture and its lens forestablishing a fluid-impervious seal between the body of the fixture andthe lens. Various structures may be used to establish a fluid-imperviousseal between the body of the fixture and the lens.

A method of making and assembling a lighting fixture having anyselectable length and finding utility in ceiling, wall and cornerinstallations including suspended mounts may include utilizing modularcomponents in selectable numbers, each component being of any desiredlength, the components being connectable to one another endwise as asealed, operating assemblage constituting a lighting fixture. A methodmay include mounting a unitary endplate 34 on the housing-like bodysection 24 coaxially therewith at each end thereof

A method may include fabricating any of the various components, such asby casting. A method may include forming the unitary endplates 34 todefine a parametric contour corresponding to a parametric contour ofeach end-edge of housing section 24, including a surmounting lens 80 ofhousing section 24. A method may include casting endplates 34 to definea lattice-like wall configuration including a plurality of dividers andthrough-openings demarking passageways in end walls of housing section24. A method may include forming a unitary endplate 34, at aninwardly-presented limit thereof, with a coupling structure for engagingend structures of functionally-united, inter-coupling and extending endsincluding extrusion and lens 80. A method may include forming a side orface of unitary endplate 34, opposite the side of lens 80, with acircumscribing perimeter shoulder for selectively-sealingly engagingeither one of a coupler ring to be sleevedly attached thereto, or anendcap of another module 24.

Further, a method may include forming a casting as a bilateral couplerto be secured to a free end of a unitary endplate 34 mounted on an endof a body section 24. Such a casting may be formed as a ring 40including at a circumscribing top wall thereof integrally-formed,laterally-extending ring-like flanges each being dimensioned andconfigured to overlie in sealing engagement therewith a mating top wallof a unitary endplate 34. Such may provide a positive endwise joinder oftwo housing sections 24 to one another in a lineal array. A method mayinclude forming an endcap 52 of a unitary one-piece configuration havinga base, an upstanding endwall, and a top, and defining anintegrally-formed, uninterrupted, circumscribing free edge contoured tobe congruently fittable over a corresponding circumscribing parametricshoulder of a unitary endplate 34 in sealing engagement therewith.

A method may include forming plastic lens 80 to define along eachextending edge thereof with an angled flange for overlying an edge ofthe coextensive extruded base of housing or body section 24. A methodmay include forming unitary endplate 34, at an inner face thereof, withan outwardly-opening slot or groove extending along a boundingcoextensive edge zone thereof for accepting therewithin, in mating andsealing engagement therewith, the extruded metallic base component ofthe housing and the plastic lens thereof.

A method may include configuring a unitary endplate, at one of itsfaces, to define an end face contoured for mounting thereon and affixingthereto, selectively, either an endcap 52 for capping and closinghousing 24 of the modular structure, or a ring 40 in the form of aband-like coupler. The method may include configuring such a coupler forsealingly mounting onto a unitary endplate 34 of housing 24 for joiningthe end of housing section 24 to unitary endplate 34 of a housing bodyof a second modular housing section 24 of the lighting fixture so thatthe sections are sealingly joined to one another endwise.

A method may include forming an endcap 52 with an integral,circumambient, outwardly-projecting, flange-like edge portion configuredto overlie, in sealing engagement therewith, a perimetric shouldercircumscribing an outwardly-presented face of a unitary endplate 34attached to housing 24.

While the principles of the invention have been described in connectionwith presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that many changes in constructionand widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention willsuggest themselves without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, as defined in the claims. The disclosures and the descriptionherein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limitingof the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.

1. A modular lighting fixture comprising: an elongate housing havingends and terminating in sidewall edges therealong; an elongate lenshaving end edge portions and opposite elongate edges forminglens-sealing surfaces, each fitted to a corresponding one of thesidewall edges; a pair of end structures each removably attachable toeither end of the housing, such end structures fitted to the lens; and aplurality of gasket seals including (a) an elongate gasket between eachelongate edge and its corresponding lens-sealing surface and (b) agasket between each end of the housing and its corresponding lens endedge portions.
 2. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein each of theend structures includes an end-structure groove for slidably receivingone of the end edge portions of the lens to thereby seat the lens withinthe end-structure groove.
 3. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein:the lens has flanges along the opposite elongate edges thereof; thehousing has downwardly-opening grooves along the sidewall edges forreceiving respective ones of the lens flanges; and the end structuresare attached to the housing and include end-structure grooves, and theend-structure grooves are at least partly aligned with respective onesof the downwardly-opening grooves of the housing.
 4. The lightingfixture of claim 1 wherein each edge portion of the lens is receivedwithin an arcuate channel-like groove in one of the end structures toprovide a snug fit between the lens and the end structures.
 5. Thelighting fixture of claim 1 further comprising a flange on each oppositeelongate edge of the lens, and each end structure includes alaterally-extending groove for receiving a respective flange.
 6. Thelighting fixture of claim 1 wherein each elongate edge of the lens isreceived by a lens-supporting structure on one of the end structures toprovide a snug fit between the lens and the end structures.
 7. A modularlighting fixture comprising: an elongate housing having sidewalls andlengthwise ends, the sidewalls having downwardly-opening grooves alongelongate sides thereof; an elongate lens having flanges along twoopposite sides thereof with lengthwise end edge portions, the flangesreceived in the downwardly-opening grooves of the housing; and a pair ofunitary endplates each including an endplate support for supporting alengthwise end edge portion of the lens, each endplate being attached toeither lengthwise end of the housing and having perimeter surfacesmatingly attached to an additional structure selected from the groupconsisting of: (a) a bridge for angularly-directed extension of thehousing and having a peripheral edge of substantially the same size andcontour as an outer surface of the endplate where the bridge andendplate join, (b) a bridge for linear extension of the housing andhaving a peripheral edge of substantially the same size and contour asthe outer surface of the endplate where the bridge and endplate join,and (c) an endcap having a peripheral edge of substantially the samesize and contour as an outer surface of the endplate where the endcapand endplate join.
 8. The lighting fixture of claim 7 wherein the endcaphas an outwardly-projecting flange matingly engaging anoutwardly-presented face of one of the endplates.
 9. The lightingfixture of claim 7 wherein each of the endplate supports is at leastpartially aligned with respective ones of the downwardly-opening groovesof the housing.
 10. The lighting fixture of claim 7 wherein the lensincludes end edge portions, and wherein each of the endplate supportsslidably receives one of the end edge portions of the lens to therebyseat the lens.
 11. The lighting fixture of claim 7 wherein each endplatehas supports forming a mounting space for receiving respective ones ofthe flanges.
 12. The lighting fixture of claim 7 including a second lensflange along the opposite elongate sides of the lens, and each secondlens flange overhangs a respective portion of the downwardly-openinggrooves of the housing.
 13. The lighting fixture of claim 7 wherein eachendplate support secures a respective end of the elongate lens to theendplate or prevents the respective end of the elongate lens from beingpressed inwardly into an interior portion of the lighting fixture by anexternal force.
 14. The lighting fixture of claim 13 wherein theendplate supports are integrally formed in each of the endplates. 15.The lighting fixture of claim 7 wherein the lens has end edge portionsand at least one of the endplates includes a support covering arespective one of the end edge portions of the lens, thereby preventingexternal access to the one end edge portion of the lens.
 16. Thelighting fixture of claim 7 further comprising a gasket between each ofthe endplates and the lens.
 17. A modular lighting fixture comprising: afirst elongate housing having ends; an endplate for sealing connectionto an end of the first elongate housing; a bridge adapted for connectingthe endplate to at least one additional endplate, the bridge selectedfrom the group consisting of an L type bridge, a T type bridge, a +typebridge, an X type bridge, and a bridge configured for linear connectionto one of the at least additional endplates; and at least one additionalelongate housing like the first elongate housing, each such additionalelongate housing attached to a corresponding additional endplate.